Grading Andre Drummond’s 2019-20 play with the Cavs thus far

The rationale for Drummond’s overall B grade with Cleveland thus far

To recap a bit, it’s clear that Drummond is a constant 15 or so point/15 or so rebound player in a  bunch of matchups.

Dre is a player that’s going to carve out space with his frame inside, and his physical screens are always going to help in the pick-and-roll game for Sexton, Garland, feasibly Kevin Porter Jr. and others, and Drummond’s going to draw his share of fouls.

The issue again, though, is that he’s a five-game stretch to this point post-All-Star, and whether he’s been in rhythm in other instances or not, him not being a shooter threat at all caps Cleveland offensively to some extent. I do give Drummond credit for showing more touch in recent years in the post/rolling game, though, and that’s continued with the Cavs.

Defensively, Drummond again is a quality team defender in getting deflections/steals and is a viable rim protector.

That’s been a welcomed addition for Cleveland, but Dre not being much of a presence in being able to contest perimeter players makes me question if he can realistically be a long-term fit perhaps with Love.

Again, though, what seems like a reasonable scenario is that the Cavs maybe draft a developmental 4/5 such as Dayton’s Obi Toppin or USC’s Onyeka Okongwu, and Drummond can help them next season and the Cavs look to deal Drummond near the 2021 trade deadline.

It’s unclear whether or not we’ll see Drummond again in action at this point for the Cavs in 2019-20, but with him reportedly likely to opt in for next season, I’d imagine we’ll have much more a clear sense as to if Drummond can stick around.

I’d at this point lean toward him eventually getting moved at some point, though, but maybe the Cavs can make it work and have more defensive wing viability to aid Drummond.